MrBeast Responds to Controversy Over Video at Mayan Sites: “We Had All the Permits”

American YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, clarified on social media what he considers “false” comments about his recent recordings in the Yucatán Peninsula, which initially had the approval of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

For MrBeast, as he calls himself online, the distortion has underscored the controversy that arose in recent days over the alleged misuse of archaeological sites on the peninsula, where he filmed and promoted commercial brands.

Through his X account, the Feastable chocolate entrepreneur clarified that the audiovisual material had “all the permits.” “We followed the regulations, we had representatives from government agencies who followed us, Mexican archaeologists to ensure our accuracy, and representatives from the sites to ensure we complied with the regulations,” he explained.

The video, published on May 10, was recorded in the areas of Calakmul, Campeche, as well as in Chichén Itzá and Balamcanché, Yucatán, following formal requests from the federal Ministry of Tourism and state governments.

Despite this, the young content creator, whose views reach tens of millions in just a few hours, is accused of allegedly profiting from national heritage by including advertising in his material.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) filed a lawsuit against MrBeast, accusing him of violating the terms of the authorizations and making post-production modifications to the content.